Can a Gravel Bike Really Do It All? 2022 Giant Revolt Advanced long-term review

How does the Giant Revolt perform over 10 months of testing on and off road?

There have been reports of cracked Revolt frames, which did not occur on this bike, but Giant shared this statement with Just Ride Bikes:

"Giant has been made aware of potential paint cracking in a small number of its composite Revolt series of gravel bicycles. If you are the original owner of a model year 2022 Giant Revolt Advanced or Revolt Advanced Pro series bicycle and have experienced any paint issues around the seat tube/seat clamp area of your frame, please visit the authorized Giant bicycle retailer from which you purchased the bicycle for further analysis. If the paint issue is confirmed to be within Giant’s warranty scope, the dealer will work to replace the affected frameset free of charge."

Supported by Saddleback

Follow me:

[baronrichmond]

Loved this bike. I had mine stolen a few days ago and here I am watching videos of it at 1:30am lol.

[justinsheldon]

3 weeks into my foray into gravel bikes now. Being an MTB'er for many years and finding as I am mid 50's, and riding a rigid singlespeed in the winter, my knees were needing help. So, I bought a Planet X Tempest Rival. Not in the same financial league at the Giants above, but what I have invested will see me through winter times and rest the Ibis hardtail from the worst weathers. So, from riding rigid sinle speed bikes and front suspension MTB's, I can input my thoughts to riding a rigid gravel bike. I have changed contact points such as saddle, seat post, stem ( for getting it more dialed in) handlebar tape. Tyres were an urgent one as the Panaracers have no side grip for any camber riding and not tubeless.
Both my bikes are 1X . Both weigh between 1/2 kg between them (10kg and 10.5kg as ridden with xt pedals, garmin mount etc). MTB is the heavier. Both dimensions are set up pretty similar with reach and position. Cranks are 175mm MTB and 172.5mm Gravel.

Pros for a gravel bike
1/ Planning the King Alfred Way and this was bought to use for it rather than an MTB as a better choice.
2/ Speed between bridleways and byways is much quicker to get to the trail head.
3/ Roading is more pleasant than my dusty unused road bike.
4/ Faster towpaths and smooth trails ability.
5/ Rival groupset is pretty good. Never liked SRAM before but quite smitten with this kit other than a rough Truvativ bottom bracket from new, so drifted the drive side bearing out and fitted an enduro and is now Hambini spin free.
6/ Will cut the winter mud easier with more frame clearance on 40mm tyres.
7/ Reasonable price point compared to my mtb

Cons for a gravel bike
1/ No good on more than slightly gnarly descents. Very sketchy and teeth gripping ! Much slower than an MTB and not as confidence inspiring
2/ Narrow bars are pretty un-nerving for sudden direction changes. I have 44cm fitted as largest they did.
3/ Comfort, it is not. I fitted Schwalbe Be-Ones 40mm and tubeless. Lower pressure better but is still an issue. Will go wider tyres for better conditions, but have been winterising this ready for the season change.
4/ 160mm brakes are woeful for power. Have changed pads for more power. I am a lot heavier than you. I dread to think of a loaded bike on a trip with small brakes. Most gravels are 160mm, i believe.
5/ Bounce making me loose grip on the hoods and hand come free on rough stuff.

Pro's for and MTB
1/General comfort. Tyres, suspension, compliance of carbon than titanium.
2/ Control with suspension on the front. Have 95mm lefty, so not super long travel.
3/ Wider bars giving much more control
4/ Brakes. XT with 180mm front is much better.
5/ General off road speed singletrack is much quicker
6/ Wider (Schwalbe racing Ralphs) do give a bigger floor print for grip.

7/ Higher bottom bracket for obstacle clearance.

Cons for MTB
1/ Roads aren't dispatched as quick
2/ Not the in fad at the moment
3/ Feel the MTB is my second choice for the King Alfred and similar rides.
4/ More expensive components to grind in the winter than the gravel bike.

I cant speak much for road bikes as my Dolan Di2 is dusty and not used really, as the roads around me are lethal with potholes and mental drivers, which is why my main rides are off road and can get off road within a mile from home.
I dont think for me that the gravel bike could be a one arrow in the quiver . It will have its role in my riding and its still a game I am keen to learn. My mtb is a completely different toy to ride. I am sure that by spending a similar amount on a gravel bike will reap better pro's and less cons. The Tempest will be a work in progress and I will look at building some lighter wheels and also some wider lower treaded tyres for the summer rides and King Alfred ride etc. This will give more comfort long term. But its a winter bike for me and price point for wearing components means its more manageable in the spec I have and bought.
Have only just found your channel and enjoy the content . The above is just my thoughts on the comparisons. Lets be honest, a cyclist will never want one bike, its always N+1 !

[sbaddison]

Very happy with my July 21 Revolt Advanced 2. Coming up for 5000 miles on it. I had the Praxis crankset swapped our for a GRX 810 2x at service. Cracking do it all bike for a 52 y/o leisure cyclist 🚴‍♀️

[ashleyhouse]

I bought an Orro Terra C based on your review last year and have to say it is truly a bike to do it all. With two sets of wheels - one gravel, one road I can switch as the mood takes me. As you say, with the right gravel tyres you don't even need to switch if you are riding on road but some times I just like to for a bit more zip. In terms of road performance I don't see any noticeable difference between the Terra C and my Cannondale Synapse Carbon so the line between gravel bikes and endurance bikes is truly blurred now.

I would imagine the Giant Revolt is very similar in terms of geometry and performance and unless you are racing I can't see anyone needing more bike than this.

[garyhocking]

I completely agree. I have a 2020 Giant Revolt Advance 0. It is great both on and off pavement and has become the only bike I ride outside ( old bike stays on a Wahoo trainer). For training rides or sportives that are 100% pavement I purchased a second set of wheels that I keep 700x28 tires on. Takes 5 minutes to make the switch.

[johnflynn]

The purple anodized top cap, spacer and cage bolts are a nice pop of colour. Good versatile all rounder bike!

[mikeengland]

It's worth noting that "Bike Radar" selected the £5k Giant Revolt as it's overall "Bike of the Year 2022" . The gravel bike beat road bikes whilst being tested, I would imagine this is the bike I'll go for whan they become available on the 2nd hand market.

[johnhambleton]

Riding my Belfast purchased Revolt in New Zealand...love this bike so versatile 🚴

[williamsmith]

If you want one bike, if you want to go off tarmac, you want a Gravel bike or All road bike. I love my Salsa Journeyman grave bike. I have two sets of wheels. Road wheel which I have no issue keeping up with the group rides. Gravel, I have been down dirt, gravel, and single track. Granted, is not a mt. Bike, but you can ride 90% of single track. I love it!!

[mattrossiter]

This video helped encourage me to buy one of these. Do not regret it one bit. Awesome bike!

[pipi]

This bike is really my dream bike. It looks amazing and has everything I want from a Gravelbike.

[markcalvert]

I've been doing it for three years with my Specialized Diverge. I have a second set of wheels with 28's for road riding. Do lots of trail riding with people on mountain bikes and it's fine unless there's large rocks.

[thebikepackingadventurer]

No bike can do everything, but in my experience the gravel bike (although I think it should be called an adventure bike) does a lot. Great on the road of smooth enough tyres, and great on single track stuff or just turning off roads and aimlessly riding anywhere. I run gravelking semi slicks in summer, and a small nobbed tyre in the winter

[keithevans]

Love the purple stem head cap and spacers 💜 reminds me of my mountain bike days. Great review 👏

[lazarosnikolaidis]

Lovable and beautiful all-round bike. Testing was so persistent and helpful.
Great little details: matching Wolf Tooth headset and screws for bike packing. Not so: the stretched little cable out of right seatstay to rear GRX derailleur. Meh!
Impressed to see you have chosen my beloved saddle from Specialized, a marvel that worth every penny!

[davidmolloy]

Was nervous about watching this as I bought a Revolt Advanced 2 (carbon but GRX 600) largely based on your review of the top end model. I’m really pleased with it (the tyres it came with are sketchy so swapped them out for some Schwalbes). It is my only bike and I use it to commute but have some bike packing trips planned too. I think the flip chip is a ‘nice to have.’ Thanks for the review and keep up the great work.

[stevekelly]

I’m with you on 3D printed saddles, they are the best, it’s not even a competition.

[JakubJurkiewicz]

Nice review. I’d love to see the crack issue mentioned though. Many people have been affected and had poor experience, other people should know about the risks.

[deetee]

Currently looking at this exact bike. You may just have convinced me!

[justinschultz]

I do have a hard tail mountain bike for gnarly trails. But, my Felt Breed "adventure" bike does all the rest. I truly think bikes like these are the best all-rounders.